sandy. senators from new york, rhode island, connecticut and delaware testified before the committee on the challenges their constituents face in the aftermath of the storm and what's needed to move forward. >> good morning, everyone. thank you for joining us for this very important hearing on the response and recovery and the challenges before us to superstorm san joaquin. -- with sandy. we're here today to evaluate the response and recovery effortings in the aftermath of hurricane sandy which struck the northeastern united states on october 29, as the largest-sized storm system in u.s. history. hurricane sandy claimed the lives of more than 120 americans, destroying over 340,000 homes. and over 2 hub,000 businesses and leaving more than 8.5 million families without power, heat or running water for weeks. and i understand in a few neighborhoods and in a few buildings in new york and new jersey that still is the case. the scale of this disaster has created significant housing and transportat